Remote Town Planning 65-Foot Tall Statue to Honor ‘Highly Rare’ Fluorescent Pink Slug Found ‘Nowhere Else on Earth’

**Narrabri Plans Monument to Celebrate Rare Mount Kaputar Pink Slug**

The small town of Narrabri, situated approximately 524 kilometres (about 324 miles) northwest of Sydney, is poised to honour one of its most unique residents: the endangered Mount Kaputar pink slug. The local council and residents are rallying behind plans to erect a colossal statue recognising this one-of-a-kind mollusk in an effort to boost tourism in the area.

The project aims to create a statue that could attain an impressive height of up to 20 metres (65 feet) or more, depending on the funds that are raised for its construction. Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens expressed enthusiasm about the idea, noting, “We’re a big country, we love our big things and we think it would neatly fit into Australia’s eccentric collection of oversized attractions,” as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Mount Kaputar pink slug, scientifically referred to as *Triboniophorus aff. graeffei*, is endemic to the forests atop Mount Kaputar, which is an extinct volcano located roughly 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Narrabri. These fascinating creatures can reach lengths of nearly 20 centimetres (almost 8 inches) and are distinguished by their vibrant pink coloration. However, they are seldom seen, appearing only during wet, misty weather conditions.

Concerns for the survival of this species had surfaced following devastating bushfires in 2019 and 2020, which led scientists to believe the slugs might have faced extinction. Fortunately, subsequent surveys revealed that a small population had persisted, prompting the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service to develop the Slug Sleuth mobile app. This platform enables individuals to document sightings of these elusive and vividly colourful slugs.

Mayor Tiemens shared his excitement about encountering the slugs, stating, “Even though it’s highly rare to see them, I’ve had the honour and privilege of spotting them twice. It’s not until you see them that you realise just how brightly coloured and spectacular this species is.” He urged that although the slugs may not be as cherished as Australia’s more iconic wildlife like koalas and platypuses, they are nonetheless a significant symbol worth celebrating with a monument.

The proposal for the statue originated from discussions in Sydney, particularly following a suggestion from Alexandra Luxford, a local lawmaker in Randwick. The Randwick City Council is collaborating with Narrabri to secure grants and financial support for the ambitious project.

Mayor Tiemens stressed the importance of designing the statue in a way that is both stylish and representative of the local identity, stating, “We’re very mindful that it should be done tastefully as an iconic art piece rather than in a tacky, touristy way.” He expressed hope that the monument would inspire more visitors to explore the rich environment and wildlife unique to Australia.

If established, Narrabri’s slug statue would not be the only artistic tribute to this rare creature. A smaller statue celebrating the Mount Kaputar pink slug is already located in the nearby town of Boggabri, approximately 58 kilometres (36 miles) southeast of Narrabri. This region’s creativity surrounding the slug continues to flourish; in 2023, 13-year-old Griffin Barber received acclaim for his artwork inspired by the mollusk. His piece, titled “Hug the Slug,” was awarded first prize in the Most Unusual Artwork category at the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Wild at Art: Threatened Species Art Competition. “I have chosen this animal because it is big and cute,” Griffin explained on the Narrabri Shire Council’s website.

As the community pushes forward with their plans, the statue of the Mount Kaputar pink slug stands not just as a symbol of a threatened species, but also as a potential beacon for tourism, celebrating the unique biodiversity that characterises this part of Australia. The promise of a vibrant pink slug statue could draw nature enthusiasts and curious tourists to Narrabri, fostering appreciation for an often-overlooked aspect of Australia’s distinctive wildlife.

The Narrabri Shire Council is yet to provide further comments on the project but remains optimistic as the community rallies to raise funds and support for this extraordinary initiative.